Sometimes,
when defining a plant, it is helpful not only to say what it is but also what
it is not. Herbaceous perennials are not woody. They have soft stems and die to
the ground annually, sending up shoots again in the new growing season.

Although
perennial generally refers to any plant that returns for more than two growing
seasons, it is a term that the horticulture industry -- and our catalog --
primarily applies to herbaceous species even though the deciduous, woody
Salvias also refresh annually.

In contrast
to herbaceous perennial Salvias, the woody kinds of sage are referred to as
shrubs and subshrubs. Shrubs are plants with stems that are woody overall.
Sub-shrub Salvias combine woody and tender herbaceous stems.

Some Salvia
species, such as Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii), are evergreen shrubs --
the kind that are in a constant state of foliage loss and renewal -- in warmer
USDA zones and subshrubs in cooler parts of their range. But true herbaceous
perennial Salvias almost always die to ground at the end of their growing
season. End of season depends on whether an herbaceous perennial is dormant in
winter or dormant in summer as with winter-growing species originating in
Mediterranean climates.

Flowers by
the Sea grows many herbaceous Salvias in a rainbow of flower colors and a wide
variety of bloom times, including cold-hardy species from America, Asia and
Europe. Others come from warmer climates, such as Africa, the American South,
Central and South America, Mexico, the Mediterranean and South Africa.

One major
way in which care of herbaceous species differs from that of woody sages
concerns clean up. Whereas woody sages are hard pruned at the beginning of
their growing season, the spent foliage of herbaceous species is removed at the
end of their season. Also, many herbaceous species can be encouraged to bloom
twice if pruned mid-season.

(Friendship Sage) Thank you Rolando Uria of the University of Buenos Aries for this very fine plant. Discovered in 2005 at a plant show in Argentina, this truly unique hybrid sage has generated a great deal of excitement in the Salvia world.

(Bitter Mexican Sage) Hummingbirds love this heat-tolerant Salvia, which is one of our best choices for shady, moist areas. The large-lipped, baby-blue flowers with white striations bloom from late summer through fall.

(Stem Clasping Violet Sage) Like a candelabra lit up with whorls of violet blossoms, the erect, branching flower spikes of Salvia amplexicaulis make this native of Southeastern Europe shine. On the Grecian island of Thassos, it brightens areas near the beach.

(Arizona Blue Sage) We are so impressed with this top-performing, drought-resistant ground cover that we have rated it best of class. Arizona Blue Sage is adaptable to a variety of shady conditions and blossoms so abundantly that it seems to have as many rich blue flowers as it has leaves. It is native to dry, shaded areas in mountain canyons in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

(Arizona Deep Blue Sage) In contrast to the lavender-blue flowers of Arizona Blue Sage (Salvia arizonica), the blossoms of Arizona Deep Blue are nearly purple. They are the kind of deep lavender that you might see in a southwestern sunset.

(Dark Flowered Bolivian Sage) Here is a water-loving beauty with dusky blue flowers --a native of the moist Yungas piedmont forests of Northwestern Argentina and Bolivia. Salvia atrocyanea is well adapted to both full sun and partial shade.

(Iranian Oil Sage) Butterflies and honeybees are drawn to the long blooming, dusky violet-blue flowers of Salvia atropatana. However, deer say no to its charms, due to its essential oils being less than tasty.

(Turkish Tea Sage) Sometimes an attractive plant is also medically powerful. That's true of the lavender flowered Salvia aucheri, which has strong white beelines. This Turkish native is consumed as an ingredient in teas used as folk remedies for many problems, including abdominal bloating and infections.

(Prairie Sage) Native to a large part of the central United States, this perennial Salvia is a beloved wildflower, delighting us with large cerulean blue flowers. Hummingbirds and butterflies love it as well.

(Double Saw Tooth Sage) Vivid deep violet flowers bloom from summer into fall and contrast prettily with the bright green, rumply foliage of this tall sage from southeastern Mexico. Belgian botanist and orchid lover Jean Jules Linden was the first to record its discovery in 1838, according to records on file at Britain’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

(Eyelash Sage) All Salvia blepharophylla varieties are native to Mexico, but this one was hybridized in Germany by plant breeder Christiaan Unger. Hairs on the edge of the sageâs dark green leaves give it the appearance of having eyelashes. It is a compact, slightly mounding Salvia that spreads gradually by underground stolons.

(Diablo Eyelash Sage) Small, eyelash-like hairs on the edge of its leaves give this Mexican native part of its name. It earns "Diablo," which means "devil" in Spanish, from the two yellow stamens that stand up out of each flower like horns.

(Painted Lady Eyelash Sage) Small, eyelash-like hairs on the edge of its leaves give this Mexican native part of its name. A compact, gently mounding Salvia, it spreads gradually by underground stolons.

(Rhythm and Blues Anise-Scented Sage) New for 2017, this variety is a superior version of the older standby 'Black and Blue'. Easy to grow and rewarding, this hummingbird favorite is our very best Anise Scented Sage.

(Wand Sage) Whorls of deep violet blossoms are cupped by dark bracts on the flower spikes of this mid-height herbaceous sage from Turkey. Its foliage is thick, corrugated and fragrant. This plant is lovely and hardy, so it is surprising that it wasn’t introduced to commercial cultivation until 2007.

(Campanula Leaf Sage) Spectacular yellow-flowering Salvias are rare, so this one stands out. Its large, almost round leaves form a basal clump that is attractive and tough. Bright yellow flowers arise from the clump on stems up to 48 inches tall.

(Heart Leaf Sage) From the rich plains of Northern Argentina comes this delicate looking sage with heart-shaped leaves and pale blue flowers so perfect they seem to be molded in wax. Although a slow grower that requires good garden culture, this Salvia is exquisite.

(Silver Germander Sage) With its compact habit, brilliant silver-white leaves and large, sky blue flowers, this is an outstanding heat-tolerant choice for dry, sunny gardens. We consider this to be one of the finest short ground covers for these conditions.

Testimonials

I was extremely impressed by the quality and condition of the plants that I received shipped from Flowers by the Sea. They were very carefully wrapped, the soil was moist and they were in impeccable condition. I would definitely order from them again!

Claire Dudan

I received my order at the time I was told I would get them. They were good after 7 days in shipping, a little dry but they have be growing just fine. I can't wait to see them bloom.

Carol

Plants arrived in good condition seeing they didn't get delivered on Friday, April 3rd. as scheduled. Instead they were held over the Easter weekend and were delivered by noon on Monday the 6th. I put then in the sunroom to recover. Too cold here in Wisconsin to think of placing them outside....

Jan Asp

I'm really glad that I ordered from Flowers by the Sea, the shipment came when promised and the plants were in excellent shape. Both plants were healthy looking and acclimated to my climate within a day or two. The selection of sages was numerous and there was enough information on the website...

Lorita

The Salvia reglas and S. scordifolias that you sent are wonderful! They're in the ground and looking happy. You guys are a bit pricey (shipping?), but the plants are robust, and their rarity in the trade makes it worth it, as does your sage advice on planting in my particular climate. Too many...

dave sherron

The Salvias were very healthy and full, packed with care, and arrived undamaged all the way from California to Rhode Island. I highly recommend Flowers By The Sea. Their customer service is excellent!

Daune Peckham

Was more than satisfied with my well packed and large plants delivered on time. Healthy and in bud and in flower.Pleasure dealing with you.

Rich

This is my third year I have ordered from Flowers by the Sea. I have received nice sized
plants in very good condition. Every single one of the plants have flourished. Nice
selection too.

Linda

Plants were very well packed, and arrived healthy. I planted them last month and they are blooming and looking beautiful!

Kate

This was the first time I had order from Flowers by the Sea. I love salvias and found them online. They have an amazing selection of plants, and their website is loaded with useful information. My order arrived promptly and I was delighted with the condition of my plants--large, healthy...